Antique Australian 9ct Gold Seed Pearl Cross Circa 1905


Collections: Sold Archive



Charming and poignant piece of early Australian jewellery by Duggin, Shappere and Co (1896-1932).

Modelled as a crucifix in 9ct rose gold which has been ‘bloomed’ to give a rich matte yellow gold finish.

History of Blooming

Blooming, a popular finishing technique for karat gold jewellery from 1870 to 1890, was first documented in 1853. The means for creating a bloom finish involved dipping a gold item into a boiling mixture of hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid), saltpeter (potassium nitrate), salt and water. This process burned off any alloys on the surface resulting in an alloy-free, thin layer of soft, pure gold on the item.

Hallmarked with Duggin, Shappere and Co.’s iconic symbol of a vertical ‘Anchor’, 9 and the Manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victorias’ guarantee mark of a ‘Wheatsheaf’.

This finely made early piece of Australiana by one of our renowned early jewellery firms is a little heirloom in the making.

STONES
Seed Pearl

MEASUREMENTS
3.5cm x 2.6cm. With out bale

WEIGHT
2.45 Grams

MARKS
‘Anchor’ / 9 / ‘Wheatsheaf’ M.J.A guarantee mark

CONDITION
Very very good antique condition.  Blooming is lovely and matte.  Seed pearls are original and no re-gluing.  No dents nor dings.

Please note boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated

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